First full-production E5 series shinkansen (green) and first pre-production E6 series shinkansen (red) in Kitakami, Iwate on November 11, 2010 (photo by Naoto Kodama).
E5 series trains will enter revenue service in March 2011 at 300 kph (187 mph), increasing to 320 kph (200 mph) in 2013. They will operate "Hayabusa" services from Tokyo to Aomori. E6 series trains are scheduled to begin revenue service in March 2013 at 300 kph, increasing to 320 kph in 2014. They will operate "Komachi" services from Tokyo to Akita, replacing the current E3 series trains. Both trains were developed from the Fastech 360S and 360Z experimental test trains.
During regular service, the two trains will typically run coupled together from Tokyo to Morioka, so in a few years this will be a common sight in Kitakami Station.
First full-production E5 series shinkansen (green) and first pre-production E6 series shinkansen (red) in Kitakami, Iwate on November 11, 2010 (photo copyright 2010 Naoto Kodama).
first pre-production E6 series shinkansen in Kitakami, Iwate on November 11, 2010 (photo copyright 2010 Naoto Kodama).
